Home Value
$80,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,370/100K
261% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
52.8%
64% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population34
Median Age61.4 yrs
Density113/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans34.0%
Economy
Per Capita$44,915
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$538M
Housing
Home Value$80,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$190,733
Housing Units18
Rent Burden37.8%
Crime
F
Violent1,370/100K
Property10,505/100K
Health
Obesity52.8%
Smoking20.2%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.5 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation134 ft (41 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+47.1%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score2.93
Community
2024 VoteR 31% / D 68%
Broadband22.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries3
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Benton faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton is $80,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 1,370 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,505 per 100,000, 436% above the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 47.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Benton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Benton has a population of 34 with a density of 113 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 61.4 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.4% female and 67.6% male. The city is predominantly White (67.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 34.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 66.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.4yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $44,915 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,283. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 207 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $44,915 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,283 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,280 |
| Gini Index | 0.520 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 207 |
| County GDP | $538M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,414 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Benton is $80,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,733, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 18 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $1,414 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,733 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 18 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,414 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Benton, 52.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 51.6% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.5% report binge drinking. 38.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.1% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,965. 0.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 52.8% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 51.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.8% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 50.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:9,965 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,717 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.0% |
| Premature Death | 19,891/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Benton has a violent crime rate of 1,370 per 100,000 residents, 261% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 10,505 per 100,000, 436% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,370.2/100K |
| 261% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 10,505.0/100K |
| 436% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 134 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 134 ft (41 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 113/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3079°N, 86.8175°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lowndes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Montgomery Regional (Dannelly Field) (MGM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.5"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
54 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2019.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
141 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| May 21, 2002 |
7 km ESE of York, Alabama |
M3.0 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
177 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
221 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
233 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
174 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
131 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
274 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
38 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
294 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
284 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
507 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 697 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
68 km |
7 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF4 |
96 km |
7 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
25 km |
7 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| Feb 17, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1996 |
EF3 |
41 km |
4 |
| Mar 10, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 3, 1984 |
EF3 |
40 km |
5 |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1979 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX (5,018 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX |
5,018 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,870 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
OK C-49 |
4,745 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
OK TORNADO UNIT |
4,504 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 40/53 |
4,093 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
OK PAYNE LAKE |
4,078 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-1/2/3/4 COMBINED |
3,841 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 50/51/52 |
3,786 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 16/17/18 RX |
3,579 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,507 |
53 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,482 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
OK 234 |
3,482 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,414 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-36/38/39 COMBINED |
3,373 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,267 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
OK COMP 33 AND 43 |
3,164 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
OK COMP 49 |
3,146 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 14 |
3,140 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.6") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Benton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $627 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $538 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $587 |
| Toddler | $561 |
| Preschool | $561 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 34 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 113 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.4% female and 67.6% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $80,000 (72% below the U.S. median).
Is Benton safe?
Public safety is a concern in Benton, with a violent crime rate of 1,370 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,505 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benton?
Benton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Benton?
The job market in Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,283. There are 207 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $80,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,733. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,414.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton have an average test score of 2.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.7% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 47.1% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 52.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 38.8% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 0.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,965.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 67.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 34.0% of the population are military veterans. 66.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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